Anglo American’s commitment to sustainable water development is currently being demonstrated by two female employees who have instigated a ground-breaking water management programme.
Dr Johanita Kotze is currently heading up the implementation of Anglo American’s Technical Solutions’ Integrated Water Management Service (IWMS) for the company’s global operations. Janet Smith is conducting research into more effective re-use of water.
The IWMS assists Anglo American’s operations and projects to effectively, efficiently and sustainably implement the company’s water strategy.
Smith is a senior chemist at the Technical Solutions’ Research Unit, who researches more effective re-use of water, specialising in water management and solid/liquid separation, primarily in the area of thickener optimisation.
As part of the company’s on-going water programmes, Smith is now also involved in another AMIRA Project (AMIRA 1087) focused on integrated tailings management.
AMIRA is a global, independent association of minerals companies which develop, brokers and facilitate collaborative research projects. As a participating company Anglo American is one of the funders, contributors and beneficiaries of AMIRA projects.
Kotze is principal hydro-geologist in Technical Solutions’ Consulting Unit, and heads up the implementation of an integrated water service for the Group’s operations. She is the driving force behind IWMS, and is one of only a few hydro geologists worldwide who possesses the particular qualifications and experience she has.
The Technical Solutions team is part of the company’s multi-disciplinary Mining and Technology function, which is focused on water management.
Research into more effective re-use of water is only one of the many initiatives currently under way at Anglo American in support of the company’s water strategy and vision, with the company cognisant of both the environmental and profit value of increased efficiency in water use in its operations.
Richard Garner, Water Manager for Anglo American, declares Smith and Kotze’s work has proved critical to the real difference that Anglo American is achieving in terms of water sustainability.
"With the current water stresses being experienced around the globe, effective water management and research is of paramount importance. Anglo American is therefore delighted in the results being achieved by the Integrated Water Management Service team, and in particular, the role played by Janet and Johanita in furthering our water strategy,” says Garner.